Quoits gameboard

ABSTRACT

A quoits gameboard has a main base having a rectangular top view shaped playing area with a centerpoint and a substantially flat top. The main base is a block of recycled plastic having a density of about 0.5 to 1.3 kg/m, an impact strength at least 3 mm/kg, and a compression rating of at least 3500 psi. The recycled plastic is any recycled plastic having the specified characteristics. The recycled plastics are predominantly recycled plastic bottles and containers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and mixtures thereof. These may be chipped, melted, and cast or extruded into sheets having the above properties. A vertical hub peg extends upwardly from the main base centerpoint, with a plurality of concentric indicia located around the hub peg.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to quoits games wherein rings are tossed near, or preferably, onto a peg for scoring points. The pegs are historically connected to slate base squares that unfortunately are subject to occasional fracture and are heavy to transport. The present invention, more specifically, relates to a quoits gameboard (base) made of recycled plastic with specified physical characteristics.

2. Information Disclosure Statement

The following patents relate to quoits-type games:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,455 describes a portable game apparatus that includes a plurality of removable pegs, a planar game board that possesses a plurality of holes in a predetermined pattern and at least one annular plastic disk that has an inner edge, and an outer edge, a planar portion, and a rim whereby the plane is angled so that the inner edge is substantially higher than the outer edge of the disk. The disk toss game involves throwing the disk toward the game board with the object of encircling on of the pegs. The length of the toss can be carried from 30 to 100+ feet depending on the talent of the competitors. The disk is aerodynamically shaped so that when it is tossed, it will become buoyant or airborne, thus enabling competitors of various physical attributes to become adept at developing their skills at several distances. However, competitive standards will be developed. The game can be easily transported and played in any terrain or season of the year. The shape of the disk is such that it will be safe if it should come in contact with a person while being tossed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,727 describes a game of skill playable both indoors and outdoors which includes two flat circular target boards, the upper surface of which are covered with a deep pile fabric. The game also includes toroidal-shaped throwing rings having a flexible cover and filled loosely with a quantity of small weights such as pebbles. Strips of fabric hook material having an abundance of tiny protruding hooks adapted to engage the pile of the target board covering material are attached to the upper and lower annular surfaces of each throwing ring. When a ring is cast upon a distant target board, the hooks protruding form the ring become entangled with strands of the fabric covering of the target board, adhering the ring to the board. Movement of the weights within the throwing ring produces oscillation-damping action which minimizes any tendency of the ring to bounce off the target board after impact.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,041 describes a game apparatus comprising a game board adapted for horizontal disposition and having an upstanding backboard and a pair of sideboards extending upwardly from the game board. The backboard, and sideboards and the playing board all defining playing surfaces at which a plurality of quoits are physically thrown by a player from a remote position in attempt to land the quoit, by direct hit or by rebound, into a target cup recessed in and below the playing surface. The sideboards are each characterized by a sloped upper wall each sideboard define a frontal approach by the player to the playing board so as to encourage tossing of the quoits from the front-or from the side, either by tossing the quoit, rebounding it or rolling it into the scoring cup.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,373 shows a game of quoits, in which there is provided a peg defining a central post to the upper section of which is anchored two bent rods. The post is driven into the ground. The rod each defines two upturned legs or prongs, the four prongs surrounding the central post. A quoit is to be tossed over the prongs so as to engage at least one prong, or the central post, or one prong concurrently with the post.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,912 describes a quoit throwing game including three posts impaled at each end of a quoit pitching area or range; the posts being arrayed in a row longitudinally of the range with the intermediate post highest, so that the intermediate post most easily receives thereover a thrown quoit, the forward post receiving thereover a thrown quoit with some difficulty, and the rearward post receiving thereover a thrown quoit with greatest difficulty.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,902 sets forth a flat, quoit-like game piece to be tossed at a target pin and having a plurality of target receiving recesses, each recess formed with a pair of spaced and confronting pin engaging hooks and an angular deflector point formed on the quoit between each pair of hooks to provide many scoring possibilities depending on the skill of the player.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,198,048 illustrates a ring toss game that is provided in which the target comprises a plurality of upwardly extending pegs mounted on a base. The base, in turn, is supported by a standard embedded in the ground. At least one peg is angled toward the center of the base, thereby increasing the difficulty of tossing a ring over the angled peg.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,506,932 relates to a game of quoits which may be played either indoors or outdoors. The invention is concerned with a novel structure of quoit, preferably made of thin plywood, very light in weight, of ample strength and durability notwithstanding its light weight and the material from which made and which is of a novel structure requiring not only judgement of distance in throwing the quoit to the pin which is attempted to be encircled, but skill in the proper holding and throwing so that it will not sail and dart off laterally because of air pressure developed against surfaces thereof when not properly thrown. A quoit comprising a disk having a round central opening, the edge of substantially half of said disk being arc shaped and concentric with said opening and the remainder of said disk having segments cut from its periphery leaving two straight edges inclined to each other.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,991,689 provides a quoit which compares favorably with cast quoits as to production costs, and which eliminates the disadvantages of cast quoits and retains the advantages of the higher priced hand forged or machine turned quoits. The present quoit is of comparatively low production cost, (being either a drop-forged or pressed-product), devoid of welds, has little or no tendency to crack or break despite the harshest usage, is not easily dented and does not chip or sliver in use. There is also a practical method of producing the present drop-forged or pressed quoit economically and in such manner that it possesses the advantages set forth.

U.S. Pat. No. 285,396 provides a new game which shall be particularly suited to indoor amusement, and which may played with an apparatus that will be inexpensive, simple, durable, and noiseless. This invention, designated as “Parlor-Quoits”, consists of novel features of an improved game board with a recess and a bell, and a series of bags used in the game.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D478,940 S describes an elevated quoits game board or surface illustrating opposing peg boards, foul lines, and a central connecting rectangle.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a quoits gameboard that is a main base having a rectangular top view shaped playing area with a centerpoint and a substantially flat top. The main base is a block of recycled plastic having a density of about 0.5 to 1.3 kg/m, an impact strength at least 3 mm/kg, and a compression rating of at least 3500 psi. The recycled plastic is any recycled plastic having the specified characteristics. Preferred are recycled plastics that are predominantly (majority) recycled plastic bottles and containers, such as milk, soda, water, jam, juice, and other containers. Thus, preferred recycled plastics are those that have a majority of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and mixtures thereof. These may be chipped, melted, and cast or extruded into sheets having the above properties.

There is a vertical hub peg extending upwardly from the main base centerpoint, with a plurality of concentric indicia located around the hub peg. The indicia are used for scoring and may take any form that permits players to make distance observations of thrown rings that land on a board, e.g. observing distance from the peg to see which are closer.

Some preferred quoits gameboards have the playing area as a square. In some embodiments, the quoits gameboard density is about 0.8 to about 1.0 kg/m. In some embodiments, the quoits gameboard impact strength is at least 5 mm/kg. In some embodiments, the quoits gameboard compression rating is at least 4000 psi.

The quoits gameboard of the present invention may have a vertical hub peg that is a metal rod, or a plastic rod, but metal is preferred. Aluminum is one metal that may be used. The hub peg may be attached to the base by any known method. One is to create threads at the bottom of the hub peg that have a diameter narrower than above threads, drill the base to fit the threads and use a lock nut or lock washer and nut on the underside to secure the hub peg to the base.

The concentric indicia are selected from the group consisting of arcs, circles, and combinations thereof, in some embodiments. The concentric indicia may be a plurality of concentric circles located equidistant from one another. In some embodiments, the quoits gameboard concentric circles are recessed circles. These may be cut, molded, etched or otherwise formed.

In some embodiments of the present invention quoits gameboard, the main base has a rectangular top view shaped playing area with a centerpoint, and a substantially flat top, the main base comprising a block of recycled plastic having a density of about 0.5 to 1.3 kg/m, an impact strength at least 3 mm/kg, and a compression rating of at least 3500 psi, a vertical hub peg extending upwardly from the main base centerpoint, a plurality of concentric indicia located around the hub peg, and at least one back bottom support located away from the centerpoint, the back bottom support being connected to the bottom of the frame. This back bottom support may be a continuous support beam or a plurality of beam sections, or legs. The back bottom support may have anti-skid pads, at least under the corner areas.

The back bottom support lifts the base up to face opposing players, and may tilt the base to achieve an about 5° to about 20° tilt from horizontal, about 6° to 10° being preferred.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention should be more fully understood when the specification herein is taken in conjunction with the drawings appended hereto wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a top view of one embodiment of a present invention quoits board;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the present invention board shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a quoit useful in a quoits game using present invention board;

FIG. 4 shows a back view of a present invention alternative embodiment quoits gameboard; and,

FIG. 5 shows another present invention alternative embodiment quoits gameboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of present invention quoits gameboard 100. It includes a main base top 1, having a generally rectangular, and specifically square, top view shape. There is a main base front 3, back 5, left side 7 and right side 9. There is a centerpoint 11 at which vertical hub peg 17 has been attached. A plurality of indicia, such as circle 13, form concentric circles for observing closeness of thrown quoits to hub peg 17. These observations are necessary in order to play the game in accordance with the rules set forth below.

Back 5 has an elongated beam (e.g. a wooden 2″×4″, or a similar plastic beam) 15, attached to its underside via screws such as screw 17, and others, to tilt main base top 1 toward the players, in this case, about 8° up from horizontal.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the present invention quoits gameboard 100 shown in FIG. 1 above, with identical parts identically numbered. Note here that optional anti-skit pads, such as pad 21, are attached (in the corners) on the underside of elongated beam 15

The gameboard 100 has been extruded and cut from stock board made of predominantly recycled bottles and containers, and other packaging, and has the following characteristics:

-   Size: 24″×24″×1″ -   Weight: approximately 9 lbs. -   Surface Texture: slightly textured with friction similar to slate -   Color: gray

Tolerance: ±0.5 mm thickness Testing Item ASTM Testing Standard Testing Results Density D2395-83 .9 kg/m 56.2 lbs/ft Impact Strength D3029-90 5.5 mm/kg 40.0 ft/lbs Flexural Strength - D790-91 Long. 36.0 mpa/ Maximum Fiber Stress 5058.0 psi Trav. 25.0 3512.5 psi Flexural Modulus D790-91 Long. 556.5 Mpa/ of Elasticity 78200 psi Trav. 315.6 44342 psi Tensile Strength D638-91 Long. 9.0 1264.5 psi Trav. 7.0 983.5 psi Moisture Content D4442-92 0.35% 0.35% Water Absorption D570-81 1.90% 1.90% Compression Rating D1037-91 30711.9 kPa (Hardness) 4451 psi Thermal Resistance C518-4/E380-9a 0.244 (m.KW) (R Value for _″) 1.386 (F.ft.h/Btu) Sound Transmission E90-90/E492-90 56.5 dB Loss 56.5 Db Flammability FMVSS NO. 302 0.15 in/min 0.15 in/min

**Pass Rate: Testing at 30 degree angle, the fire shall not burn or transmit aflame front across its surface at a rate of more than 4v inches per minute.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of quoit 110. It is essentially a donut shaped ring 27 with a flat bottom and is tossed for points during the game. It is played in many different ways in different geographical areas, but one popular game play from Eastern Pennsylvania and elsewhere, is played as follows:

1) Distance between hubs shall be 18 feet.

2) Toss coin to determine which player shall pitch first. All subsequent first pitches are made by the player who scores on previous pitch.

3) Pitchers forward foot must not extend beyond the hub of his home board.

4) Each player has two quoits. All pitching is alternated. At no time shall one player make two successive pitches.

5) As soon as a quoit touches the floor or ground it is considered dead and does not count.

6) Should a quoit hit foul (floor or ground), and then go on the board and disturb other quoits, said quoit should be removed and disturbed quoits replaced to original position.

7) If no ringer is made, the quoit nearest the hub counts on point in scoring. In the event a player has two quoits nearer the hub than either quoit of the opponent, he scores two points (1 point for each quoit).

8) If a “Leaner” is made, it counts as two points (A “leaner” is one which rests on top or against the hub).

9) A properly thrown quoit landing on the quoit board, if it should bounce and turn down (commonly known as a female quoit) has a scoring value. If it lands upside down, it still counts.

10) Should a player make a ringer and also have a quoit nearer the hub than his opponent, he shall receive four points. (3 points for the ringer and 1 point for the closest quoit.)

11) Each ringer pitched counts 3 points except when some player pitches two ringers one directly on top of the other, then the one on top is counted. When the first player pitches a ringer which is topped by an opponent, the opponent receives three points. When a first player pitches a ringer which is topped by an opponent, and then again topped by the first player, the last ringer made counts for three points for the first player. As a premium, when four ringers are made, the player pitching the last ringer wins the game.

12) Twenty-one (21) points is game.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment present invention quoits gameboard 120, from a back view. Main base 31 has a back 33. On the underside of back 33 are beam segments 35, 37 and 39, as shown, with anti-skid rubber pads 34, 36 and 38 respectively. These replace elongated beam 15 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment present invention quoits gameboard 200, made of recycled plastics as are the ones described in all the Figures above, in accordance with the characteristics set forth in the summary above.

Gameboard 200 includes a base 31, with front 33, back 35 and sides 37 and 39. Peg 43 is attached at centerpoint 41 and indicia are arcs rather than concentric circles, such as arcs 45 and 47. Further, legs 51 and 53 replace the elongated beam back bottom support described above.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. 

1. A quoits gameboard which comprises: (a) a main base having a rectangular top view shaped playing area with a centerpoint, and a substantially flat top, said main base comprising a block of -recycled plastic having a density of about 0.5 to 1.3 kg/m, an impact strength at least 3 mm/kg, and a compression rating of at least 3500 psi; (b) a vertical hub peg extending upwardly from said main base centerpoint; and, (c) a plurality of concentric indicia located around said hub peg.
 2. The quoits gameboard of claim 1 wherein said playing area is square.
 3. The quoits gameboard of claim 1 wherein said density is about 0.8 to about 1.0 kg/m.
 4. The quoits gameboard of claim 1 wherein said impact strength is at least 5 mm/kg.
 5. The quoits gameboard of claim 1 wherein said compression rating is at least 4000 psi.
 6. The quoits gameboard of claim 1 wherein said vertical hub peg is a metal rod.
 7. The quoits gameboard of claim 1 wherein said concentric indicia are selected from the group consisting of arcs, circles, and combinations thereof.
 8. The quoits gameboard of claim 7 wherein said concentric indicia are a plurality of concentric circles located equidistant from one another.
 9. The quoits gameboard of claim 8 wherein said concentric circles are recessed circles.
 10. A quoits gameboard, which comprises: (a) a main base having a rectangular top view shaped playing area with a centerpoint, and a substantially flat top, said main base comprising a block of recycled plastic having a density of about 0.5 to 1.3 kg/m, an impact strength at least 3 mm/kg, and a compression rating of at least 3500 psi; (b) a vertical hub peg extending upwardly from said main base centerpoint; and, (c) a plurality of concentric indicia located around said hub peg. d) at least one back bottom support located away from said centerpoint, said back bottom support being connected to said bottom of said frame.
 11. The quoits gameboard of claim 10 wherein said playing area is square.
 12. The quoits gameboard of claim 10 wherein said density is about 0.8 to about 1.0 kg/m.
 13. The quoits gameboard of claim 10 wherein said impact strength is at least 5 mm/kg.
 14. The quoits gameboard of claim 10 wherein said compression rating is at least 4000 psi.
 15. The quoits gameboard of claim 10 wherein said vertical hub peg is a metal rod.
 16. The quoits gameboard of claim 10 wherein said concentric indicia are selected from the group consisting of arcs, circles, and combinations thereof.
 17. The quoits gameboard of claim 16 wherein said concentric indicia are a plurality of concentric circles located equidistant from one another.
 18. The quoits gameboard of claim 17 wherein said concentric circles are recessed circles.
 19. The quoits gameboard of claim 10 wherein said back bottom support may be selected from a continuous support beam, a plurality of beam segments, and a plurality of legs.
 20. The quoits gameboard of claim 10 wherein said back bottom support is of sufficient height to create a main base tilt angle of about 5° to about 20° from horizontal.
 21. A quoits gameboard which consists of: (a) a main base having a rectangular top view shaped playing area with a centerpoint, and a substantially flat top, said main base comprising a block of recycled plastic having a density of about 0.5 to 1.3 kg/m, an impact strength at least 3 mm/kg, and a compression rating of at least 3500 psi; (b) a vertical hub peg extending upwardly from said main base centerpoint, wherein said vertical hub peg is a metal rod; and, (c) a plurality of concentric indicia located around said hub peg.
 22. The quoits gameboard of claim 21 wherein said playing area is square.
 23. The quoits gameboard of claim 21 wherein said density is about 0.8 to about 1.0 kg/m.
 24. The quoits gameboard of claim 21 wherein said impact strength is at least 5 mm/kg.
 25. The quoits gameboard of claim 21 wherein said compression rating is at least 4000 psi.
 26. The quoits gameboard of claim 21 wherein said concentric indicia are selected from the group consisting of arcs, circles, and combinations thereof.
 27. The quoits gameboard of claim 26 wherein said concentric indicia are a plurality of concentric circles located equidistant from one another.
 28. The quoits gameboard of claim 27 wherein said concentric circles are recessed circles.
 29. A quoits gameboard, which consists of: (a) a main base having a rectangular top view shaped playing area with a centerpoint, and a substantially flat top, said main base comprising a block of recycled plastic having a density of about 0.5 to 1.3 kg/m, an impact strength at least 3 mm/kg, and a compression rating of at least 3500 psi; (b) a vertical hub peg extending upwardly from said main base centerpoint, wherein said vertical hub peg is a metal rod; (c) a plurality of concentric indicia located around said hub peg; and (d) at least one back bottom support located away from said centerpoint, said back bottom support being connected to said bottom of said frame.
 30. The quoits gameboard of claim 29 wherein said playing area is square.
 31. The quoits gameboard of claim 29 wherein said density is about 0.8 to about 1.0 kg/m.
 32. The quoits gameboard of claim 30 wherein said impact strength is at least 5 mm/kg.
 33. The quoits gameboard of claim 30 wherein said compression rating is at least 4000 psi.
 34. The quoits gameboard of claim 29 wherein said concentric indicia are selected from the group consisting of arcs, circles, and combinations thereof.
 35. The quoits gameboard of claim 34 wherein said concentric indicia are a plurality of concentric circles located equidistant from one another.
 36. The quoits gameboard of claim 35 wherein said concentric circles are recessed circles.
 37. The quoits gameboard of claim 29 wherein said back bottom support may be selected from a continuous support beam, a plurality of beam segments, and a plurality of legs.
 38. The quoits gameboard of claim 29 wherein said back bottom support is of sufficient height to create a main base tilt angle of about 5° to about 20° from horizontal. 